Marine ejected from MV-22 Osprey over Persian Gulf when airplane lost power

A US Marine who ejected from an airplane over the Persian Gulf is “presumed lost at sea,” marking the first reported casualty from the ongoing operation against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

The Marine and another crew member ejected from an MV-22 Osprey when the aircraft lost power and it appeared it might crash after take-off from the USS Makin Island on Wednesday, the Navy said.

The pilot of the Osprey regained control of the aircraft and safely landed it aboard the Makin Island while rescuers recovered the other crew member from the water.

“US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel conducted an extensive search of the area using all available assets, which continued throughout the night and the next day,” the Navy said in a statement.

The Navy said the Marine’s name will be withheld pending the notification of the troop’s family. It said the Navy and the Marine Corps will investigate the cause of the incident.

Bahrain hosts the US Navy’s 5th Fleet. The USS Makin Island is currently on a scheduled deployment supporting military operations against the Islamic State extremist group in Iraq and Syria. Ospreys have been moving Marines into Iraq.

David Cameron meets pilots, engineers and logistic support staff in front of a Tornado GR4 at RAF Akrotiri base (AFP/Getty)

The news came as David Cameron announced Britain will send two more fighter jets to join in strikes against Isil militants in Iraq, bringing the total to eight.

Mr Cameron was speaking during an unannounced visit to Royal Air Force (RAF) Akrotiri in Cyprus, where the six Tornados currently active over Iraq are based.

The RAF conducted its first strikes on Tuesday, bombing an artillery post and an armed truck used by militants. It has so far hit eight targets in five locations.

“We want to make sure that we can keep up this tempo in the days ahead so we will deploy a further two Tornados to Akrotiri in the next 24 hours.”